The Richmond Animal League

By Martha, Sam and Caroline

Martha, Caroline, and Sam went to the Richmond Animal Leauge and interviewed Robin, the head of the Richmond Animal League. The Richmond Animal League is a small non-profit shelter for cats and dogs in the Richmond area. They are a caring organization with lots of adorable animals. Donations can be made to support the Richmond Animal League
Click Here to go to the Richmond Animal League website to learn more about their facility and pets for adoption.
*The R.A.L. is a no-kill organization which means that they do not kill any of the animals that do not get adopted or have homes.

Here is the interview below.
Q: How many animals have you rescued?
A: 275 cats two years ago, 336 dogs and cats one year ago, and so far this year we have had about 40 homes per month.

Q: Do you ever feel over-shadowed by larger animal rescue organizations?
A: No. I think we're all in this together.

Q: Which season is the most popular for rescues?
A: It depends. But in the spring it is "kitten season".

Q: What is a common rescue situation?
A: People say they are moving and must give up their animals, but I think they just say that because they have no other reasons.

Q: What is one of your most interesting rescue stories?
A: One summer evening we were having an adoption day and a car pulled up. The people in the car threw out a dalmatian and drove away, so we called the police. We ended up keeping him and naming him "Fred." It was so sad to hear him cry every night, and it seemed like he was human. Finally, a dalmatian lover adopted him!

Q: Who is on your R.A.L. rescue team?
A: Well we are a non-profit organization so we have a board of directors with nine people in it. We have five paid staff members and about two hundred volunteers.

Q: Have you ever read Jackie's Wild Seattle?
A: No, but I would like to.

Q: Can we see some of your rescued animals?
A: Sure! I'd be glad to show them.

Robin led us around the facility and showed us all of the rooms, which includes a "Real Room". The "Real Room" is a room that looks like a living room with a couch, TV and toys. This is where the volunteers take the dogs to get used a real home with all the normal household items so they are not overwhelmed with the this in their new homes. The Richmond Animal League is a great place which reminds us of Jackie's Wild Seattle.